travel tips - Dad of Divas

How To Make Every Journey Comfortable And Stress-Free

June 16, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

You may not realize this but traveling can take a physical and mental toll on you, if you don’t prepare effectively. Unexpected issues might arise during your journey, potentially causing you stress. Hence, savoring your anticipated getaway might prove challenging, potentially resulting in greater fatigue than before your journey began. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that every journey you take is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Today, we’re going to share strategies to improve your travel planning process, ensuring comfort and peace of mind remain top priorities throughout your trip.

Plan Ahead

An important step is to plan your trip well by considering different factors. For example, you can start by researching your destination thoroughly, such as by looking at the weather conditions, currency, cultural norms, and emergency services available. It may also be a good idea to learn a few words in the local language so that you can better communicate with locals and show your appreciation. Not only will this prepare you for the destination, but it will also help prevent certain stressors from taking over. You may want to book accommodation and transport as early as possible to avoid last-minute hassles.

Choose The Right Transport

When it comes to choosing how to travel, it’s important to prioritize comfort and select an option that will make traveling easier and stress-free. For instance, you can take a look at Amtrak train tickets around the country and travel to a range of amazing destinations. This means that you can book daily trusted transport across the US, ensuring you can have a high-quality onboard experience. Moreover, every Amtrak train is equipped with comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, snack bars, and much more. Thanks to Wanderu, it’s easy to search, compare, and buy Amtrak train tickets.

Embrace Technology

Now could be the best time to use technology to your advantage. You can use a variety of travel apps to help manage itineraries and book accommodation. Most cities tend to have their own transport apps, which can come in handy when looking for guidance in unfamiliar areas. Also, you can translate languages and make sense of text, spoken words, or even text in images like signs and menus. Moreover, social media apps can help you stay connected to friends and family at home so that you can reach out to someone for support, if you need to.

Prioritize Your Health

Maintaining good health can be one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of discomfort and stress. You should always carry a small first-aid kit with essential medications, as well as any prescription drugs that you may need. Also, it’s recommended to eat balanced meals and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up. Although it can be difficult, you should strive to wake up and go to bed at the same time so that you can get a good night’s rest. If you are crossing several time zones, you may experience jet lag, so it’s best to take steps to deal with it more effectively.

Invest In Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind, as you will know that you will be protected against all types of unexpected circumstances. Typically, travel insurance covers a range of things, such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. Although it’s an additional cost, the comfort and security that it can offer will be worth it, as it could potentially save you a significant amount of money down the line. If you plan on engaging in high-risk activities, travel insurance is crucial.

Pack Smart

Packing for a trip requires a balance of comfort, practicality, and style, so it’s important to take your time to prepare well. Firstly, it can be beneficial to check the weather at your destination to give you a good idea of what types of clothing to pack. However, remember that temperatures can fluctuate, so you may need layers to stay comfortable and warm. Also, be sure to opt for clothing that can be mixed and matched easily so that you can create different outfits without packing your entire wardrobe. To make sure that you don’t forget anything, it can be helpful to make a list beforehand.

There are also a few other things that you shouldn’t forget, including

personal care products
mobile phone chargers
travel pillows
insect repellant
sun hat
sunglasses
hand sanitizer
water bottle
wet wipes
lip balm

Prepare Snacks

It’s important to ensure that you have something to eat whenever hunger strikes. This could happen at any time whether you are taking a long flight or hopping on a train or bus. Therefore, you should prepare a few travel-friendly snacks, such as protein bars, roasted chickpeas, or other protein-rich foods to keep you full for longer. In addition, don’t forget to bring fresh fruits and veg, that won’t easily spoil, such as oranges, apples, baby carrots, or tomatoes. Try to avoid snacks, which may be prone to spilling or melting.

Be Organized With Travel Paperwork

Managing travel paperwork can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with multiple reservations and schedules. This is why, staying organized with your paperwork is essential to save you some of the stress that you may be feeling and make your journey smoother. Consider making copies of all important documents, such as your passport, ID, visa, and travel insurance policies. If the originals get stolen, you will have a backup that will help you get replacements more quickly. However, you may want to use digital tools as much as possible to keep your travel documents organized.

Stay Flexible

Despite all of your planning and preparation, keep in mind that things may still go wrong. For example, your flight may get delayed or the weather may change suddenly. Regardless of what happens, it’s crucial to stay calm and maintain a level of flexibility in your plans. Make sure you keep a positive mindset and don’t allow problems to stop you from making the most of your holiday. As a result, traveling will give you many chances for new experiences, learning, and personal growth.

3 Winter Getaway Ideas

November 15, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Are you planning to get away this winter, but are not sure yet what to do? Whether you’re undecided on what to do this winter or just haven’t found the time to decide yet, here are a few ideas to get you started.

A Warm Destination

Looking to escape the cold season? Many people prefer to leave snow and slush behind and head somewhere warm to escape from the winter weather. Some just prefer the beach over a winter wonderland. If you’re looking to go somewhere sunny and warm this winter, there are some great options.

There are many warm destinations that you can visit during the winter. Some of the most popular warm destinations include Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. In Europe, people often visit Tenerife or Cyprus during the winter months. Since these locations are warm year-round, you can visit them any time of the year. Some other locations that are warm from December to February are Australia and South Africa.

A Winter Adventure

There are many ski resorts around the world where you can go skiing, snowboarding, or both. In Europe, the most popular countries to go skiing and snowboarding are France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. However, they are available worldwide, from Australia to the United Kingdom. You can find all about skiing destinations from Piste Pro.

If you’re not a fan of winter sports, you can also experience winter adventure in other ways such as ice climbing or snowshoeing. Even those who aren’t interested in these activities will appreciate the gorgeous scenery. There are places throughout the world that look like a true winter paradise. You can choose to stay in a cosy cabin in the wilderness or stay in a luxury resort in the mountains. There are resorts that offer various activities, accommodations, and guided tours.

No matter what you choose to do, it will be an adventure you won’t forget.

Staying in and Relaxing

You may also want to consider just staying in and relaxing or visiting a local resort. Many resorts offer accommodations and activities during the winter months that can be great for a family or a fun getaway. You can go ice skating, see a holiday show, visit the local winery, and much more.

If you would rather just relax for a few days, that is a good option as well. Relaxing at home and spending time with loved ones is often underrated! Although it is not technically a getaway, this tip certainly deserves consideration.

If You Want to Go on a Getaway

If you have decided not to stay in this year, there are a few things to do before you set off. Start by figuring out how much money you can spend on your winter vacation and then map out some ideas for places you’d like to visit. You might want to make a list of things you want to do while on vacation or research some of the top attractions in the area that you might want to visit while you’re there. If you do not like to find things to do when you arrive, you might also want to plan a few activities ahead of time so you have an idea about what you will be doing once you arrive.

Once you decide what type of getaway you want, the next step is to book your flight or train ticket if you haven’t already done so and book your hotel reservations. If you’ll be renting a car when you get to your destination, be sure to make those arrangements as well. Finally, you’ll need to make sure you have all of your travel documents in order (such as your passport) and any necessary immunizations before you go.

The Top 7 Florida Resorts for Outdoor Lovers

September 30, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

The great outdoors provides plenty of opportunities to get your body moving, your mind working, and your blood pumping. If you are planning an upcoming vacation to Florida, you might want to stay in accommodation that offers fun activities that will get your heart racing and adrenaline running.

There is no reason to accept a boring hotel with limited activities in the Sunshine State. Learn about the top seven Florida resorts for outdoor lovers.

Source: Instagram, posted on May 10th, 2022, Westgate Ranch’s official profile.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo – River Ranch

You will feel more in love with rural America after a visit to Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. The luxe dude ranch is jammed with outdoor activities to suit every guest, from pony rides and mini golf to horseback riding and guided hunts.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is bursting with outdoor activities to beat boredom, challenge your skills, and help you maximize every second in a beautiful backdrop. An hour from South Orlando, you will go back in time to the rustic Old West during your stay while enjoying various luxurious modern amenities.

For example, the luxe Conestoga Wagon camping accommodation is inspired by the 18^th-century wagon design used to transfer cargo by oxen or horse. Yet, you can enjoy many comforts of home once you step inside, such as air conditioning and heating, a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, electrical outlets, premium linens, and countertop appliances.

Of course, as an outdoor lover, you will likely want to spend much of your stay outdoors, and you will not be disappointed at this stunning resort. Try the following activities for a fun-filled break:

Airboat rides
Horseback riding
Fishing
Archery
Tennis
Rock climbing
Swamp buggy rides
A trap and skeet range

Also, step out of your glamping tent or wagon to watch the Saturday Night Rodeo at the 1,200-seat Rodeo Arena. You might even want to tackle the skill for yourself on a mechanical bull at the resort.

Source: Instagram, posted on September 13th, 2022, Steinhatchee Landing’s official profile.

Steinhatchee Landing Resort – Steinhatchee

Steinhatchee Landing Resort has charming one- to three-bedroom cottages, providing a private base for fun outdoor pursuits, such as scuba diving, fly-fishing, and canoeing.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Steinhatchee Landing Resort. This hidden gem provides one- to three-bedroom cottages and is a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico and Steinhatchee River converge.

Embrace many affordable recreational activities at the enchanting resort, such as scuba diving in Florida Springs, kayaking along the Steinhatchee River, or exploring Gulf Coast State Parks.

Anglers will never want to leave charming Steinhatchee, as it is home to shallow grass flats and an untouched shoreline, providing a safe habitat for many saltwater fish. Also, if you stay at Steinhatchee Landing Resort during summer, you can enjoy some of the best scalloping on the planet along the river.

Source: Instagram, posted on September 23rd, 2022, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach’s official profile.

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort – Hollywood, Florida

Sunny days don’t get much better than riding waves on a surf simulator, paddleboarding outdoors, or cycling along Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. Create fond memories at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which offers stylish suites, unique dining experiences, and endless water fun.

If your heart is set on a beachfront break with your loved ones, you will likely remember a vacation at the laidback Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The little slice of paradise in Hollywood, Florida, exudes family-friendly fun, offering sports activities, nature tours, and unmissable local festivals.

Water fun is a given at this visually stunning resort, as it features two pools, a surf simulator, and canals. Also, you can rent a paddleboard from its 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar & Grill to explore the calming waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, which is across the road.

Those looking for a fun experience on land can cycle, run, or rollerblade up and down the scenic Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, or spend a sunny weekend exploring the popular Yellow Green Farmers’ Market.

Also, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a superb pick for those who want to explore many nearby parks between riding waves and lounging in the sunshine, as the resort is a short walk from Charnow Park, West Lake Park, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Source: Instagram, posted on June 29th, 2022, Hawks Cay Resort’s official profile.

Hawks Cay Resort – Duck Key

You would struggle to find much better than Hawks Cay Resort for South Florida fun. It will be hard to forget swimming with dolphins in the sunshine, enjoying a scenic view while kiteboarding, or fishing on a paddleboard.

Hawks Cay Resort is a tropical paradise in South Florida, offering beautiful resort rooms and cottages to meet many guests’ needs and tastes. Located on Duck Key, a small, secluded island, you and your loved ones can enjoy many outdoor activities along the aquamarine waters, including kiteboarding, paddleboard fishing, kayaking, and swimming with dolphins. The fun isn’t over once you are back on dry land, as you can play tennis on one of many courts or cycle around the resort at your leisure.

Non-stop activities will cause you to build up quite an appetite throughout the day. Satisfy your cravings by visiting one of the six restaurants available at Hawks Cay Resort, such as Sixty-One Prime, Angler and Ale, and Coral Grill.

Source: Instagram, posted on September 22nd, 2022, Cheeca Lodge & Spa’s official profile.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Islamorada

Spend every day of your vacation having fun outdoors during a stay at the 214-room Cheeca Lodge & Spa. Pack many fun-filled activities into your itinerary, such as parasailing, fishing, Hobie cat sailing, or guided jet ski tours.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a serene oasis in relaxing Islamorada, offering a pretty backdrop of turquoise water and towering palm trees with a cooling breeze. The accommodations are just as magnificent, as it is home to 214 elegant rooms and suites for a luxurious getaway.

Despite its soothing environment, it is a must-pick for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to get their muscles pumping and body moving. When not dining at its first-class restaurants, you can play a round of golf on the 9-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course, cycle around the resort, or go on a snorkeling tour.

Cheeca Lodge is also based in the sportfishing capital of the world, as you can charter a boat during your stay to catch 500 fish species or cast a line from the resort’s 525-foot pier.

Source: Instagram, posted on July 12th, 2022, South Seas Island Resort’s official profile.

South Seas Island Resort – Captiva Island

Fun and excitement are included in your stay at South Seas Island Resort. You can select from countless outdoor activities at the 330-acre retreat on Captiva Island, such as boating, parasailing, kayaking, and more.

Families, friends, or couples who adore the outdoors will want to return to South Seas Island Resort time and again. The secluded retreat and wildlife nature preserve is home to two-and-a-half miles of white sand beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast.

The elevated rooms, suites, and villas provide a luxury, comfortable environment to help you and your loved ones recover from a busy day of activities at the resort. You will not know where to start when it comes to outdoor pursuits, as you can go:

Banana boating
Wave running
Parasailing
Swimming with turtles or dolphins
Kayaking
Fishing

After you have dried off from the water fun, you can play tennis or pickleball on one of seven courts, go shelling along the beach or enjoy a sunset serenade cruise to watch a Gulf of Mexico sunset.

Source: Instagram, posted on April 10th, 2022, Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant’s official profile.

Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant – Pineland

Passionate paddleboarders, kayakers, and anglers will want to move to Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant in Pineland. Providing a mix of old and new Florida, you will remember every second of your stay at this gorgeous retreat.

Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant in Pineland, South Florida, has it all: history, luxury, and recreation. You will spend every night of your stay in the 1926 lodge, which blends old Florida charm with modern comfort and fun.

Wake up every morning of your vacation in a boathouse or cottage filled with character, providing more privacy and comfort than nearby hotel rooms. After making breakfast and enjoying a hot shower, you can enjoy select from many exciting activities throughout your stay. For example, you will never regret fishing or boating along the backwaters of Pine Island Sound, which is known for spotted sea trout, snook, and redfish. It is an angler’s dream vacation.

Passionate kayakers and paddleboards will be glad they made the journey to the resort, too. You could happily spend every waking moment of your vacation on The Great Calusa Blueway, as it connects 200 miles of inland tributaries with inlets and wetlands. It is an experience you will never forget.

4 Tips for Stress-Free Travel With Kids

June 24, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Every parent knows that traveling as a family can be difficult, particularly when you have young children. However, you shouldn’t let potential challenges discourage you from going on a family vacation and enjoying trips abroad. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to ensure that your family getaway is relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. With this in mind, here are four tips for stress-free travel with kids:

1. Get kids involved

Getting your kids involved in the planning process is a great way to get them excited about an upcoming vacation and give them a sense of ownership over the trip. It will also help to prepare your kids for what to expect when you go away, meaning they’ll be more likely to be on their best behavior. Sit down as a family and discuss travel plans, such as what destination to visit, where to stay, and what activities to do while you’re on vacation. Try to be flexible and take your kids’ thoughts and opinions into account when making your travel plans.

2. Organize your travel plans

Booking early and being organized with your travel plans is particularly important when you are traveling with kids. Making plans last minute and being spontaneous may work for solo travelers or couples, but this style of travel is not well-suited to families or those traveling with young children. Instead, make your travel arrangements in advance and book your accommodation and transport as a minimum. You should also consider booking things like tours, activities, and even restaurants before you arrive at your destination, as many of these get fully booked in popular tourist areas. If you are traveling by plane, then you can book parking and transfers online. For instance, LaGuardia airport parking offers a secure online booking form where you can reserve your parking spot of choice before traveling. Having travel plans confirmed in advance will avoid any unnecessary stress and hassle during your vacation.

3. Avoid planning too much

Vacations allow you to spend quality time with your family and plan lots of fun activities and experiences. However, you should avoid planning too much when you go away, or you risk your kids becoming tired and frustrated. For that reason, you should try to limit your itinerary to one or two activities a day. Make sure you factor in plenty of leisure time where your kids can relax and take naps. You should also remember to pack a good selection of kid-friendly activities to keep your kids entertained when you’re not doing activities. According to advice on pretravels.com, you can keep kids occupied on their own by packing electronic games, coloring books, and healthy snacks.

4. Practice travel safety

Many parents worry about their kids wandering off or going missing on vacation. You can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety by practicing family travel safety. This should involve providing your kids with your contact information including details of the place where you are staying and choosing a family meeting point in case you get split up. You could also consider giving your kids a GPS tracking device to improve their safety and security while traveling.

How to Make the Most of a Short Vacation

October 1, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When you really need a break from work to go on a vacation, but you just can’t fit one in, it can certainly feel like the universe is against you. There’s no need to feel down, however. Two or three days is enough to fit in exactly the break you need. You can have a fun-filled, relaxing or activity-based weekend vacation and make it feel like a two-week stay with these simple tips.

1. Plan Your Itinerary
When you have two whole weeks to plan what you’re going to do, you can easily leave it until when you get there and see what you feel like doing, but when you’ve only got two or three days, you need to be prepared from the get-go so that you don’t waste a second of your time.

If you want to visit attractions, check their opening times beforehand and plan to get there as soon as they open so that you can spend as much time there as you want to. Even more vital: choose the attractions that you want to visit ahead of time! You don’t want to be still discussing where you want to go when you’re having breakfast and need to leave soon.

2. Rent a Car
It can be a pain to rely on public transport when you have limited time. Buses often don’t turn up when they say they will, and this can put a strain on your vacation when you’ve only got so much time.

To avoid this altogether, contact E-Z Rent a Car; they will be able to provide you with a vehicle wherever you are taking a vacation, so you can do it your own way and save time on the highway.

You can also go off the beaten track when you’re driving your own car, so you can fully experience the destination of your vacation without limits.

3. Don’t Overbook It
In most destinations, there are probably many places and attractions that you want to visit and experience, but there simply won’t be enough time to see them all, even on a longer vacation. You don’t want to overbook your vacation and make it a stressful experience for you. After all, it is supposed to be about relaxing and having fun.

Instead, plan to visit a few tourist attractions and be realistic about how much time you can or will spend there. There is no fun in having a fully packed itinerary if you miss half of it and spend the visits you did make feeling tired or run down.

Short vacations make for a great burst of fun and activity and are a nice little break from the routine stress of everyday life. It’s good to keep in mind that if you do approach a weekend vacation like a two-week vacation, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. They can be just the break you need if you plan them well and treat them as what they are: short.

Enjoying a family vacation to the United Kingdom: top tips

August 30, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

If you consider your family to be the adventurous-type or those who love soaking up the history of an old town, then the United Kingdom is the ideal vacation destination for you. With a temperate climate, countless historical sites and endless hiking and walking trails, you won’t be stuck for activities. So, if you’re not keen on spending your summer vacation lazing on the beach in Ibiza, but would prefer to spend some time in historical Europe, here are some top tips.

Find a balance between history and activities

Kids will love finding out about medieval villains and ancient kings and queens, but they only have a finite attention span. After all, kids need to be entertained as well as distracted. While adults could spend all day walking through the Natural History Museum, children might get a little bored after the dinosaurs. Be sure to find a theme park or adventure playground nearby to break up your educational endeavors.

In Sussex, for example, you will find a happy balance between both history and activity. You can visit Battle for walks around the sites of the Battle of Hastings, as well as views of the English countryside. Not too far from that, you will also find Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings – complete with lizard and underwater tunnel exhibits.

Bring the wetsuits

Just because the United Kingdom doesn’t enjoy a Mediterranean climate doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors. In fact, if you find yourself based along the coast, you should absolutely make the most of potential activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddle-boarding. Truth be told, however, the British sea isn’t exactly balmy in temperature. If you have little ones who are more acclimatized to warmer temperatures, then ensure you either bring or rent wetsuits.

Rent when possible

Family schedules never run according to the time they were originally destined. Children refusing to go to bed, too much time in the bathroom and hectic breakfast times mean that we often find ourselves rushing out of the door at the last minute. It’s for this reason that renting a cottage to stay in will make your trip to the UK much easier. After all, Britain is renowned for its quirky and quaint cottages, which are ideal for basing yourself when you have small children. If you were planning a trip to Sussex and the South Downs, for example, Amberley House Cottage Holidays would be able to find you a place to stay. You can hunt through tons of images and features until you find the place that is right for you and your family.

Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous

Thanks to its dramatic scenery, but mostly tame wildlife, the UK is a cozy country to go exploring in. For example, if you were driving through Scotland’s glens, you would find plenty of brown road markers detailing nearby hikes and monuments. While your children might not be down for climbing a cliff face, you will still find plenty of easy-to-moderate walks to explore – and you might find these by pure accident.

Family vacations are all about balance. It’s about getting up when you want to, exploring, discovering, but providing plenty of downtime to enjoy your well-earned time off. When visiting the United Kingdom, you will quickly learn that you can happily strike a balance between fun and education, as well as adventure and relaxation.

4 Smart Ways to Finance Your Travel Plans

August 25, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Is your wallet restricting your wanderlust? You certainly aren’t alone. Most of us end up setting travel plans aside because we haven’t saved enough. And while saving for travel should definitely be your priority, there are times when sudden or unexpected trips are simply unavoidable.

So what can you do when you have to travel, but don’t have the money for it? Should you take a travel loan or personal line of credit for travel? Are there any other options available, and which is the best one? We’ll answer all these questions for you!

Here are four instant funding options you should explore:

Personal Loan for Travel – Smart travelers often choose this option when they have to travel unexpectedly. Rather than taking money out of your emergency savings or high-yield investment portfolio, using a holiday loan, personal loan or personal line of credit to fund travel expenses helps you keep your finances on track. Of course, you need to make sure you can repay the loan on time, so make room for the EMIs in your monthly budget!
Travel Credit Cards – You could opt for a travel credit card, or use a credit card with an option for converting expenses into EMIs for travel funding. Credit cards allow you anywhere from 20 days to almost two months for repayments, interest-free. If you can convert spends to EMIs, you get even more time for repayment. Travel credit cards, on the other hand, are set up specifically for travel-related expenses, so they may be more competitive than regular credit cards.
Payday Loans – A payday loan is very similar to a personal loan, except that the interest rate is higher, with a shorter repayment period. Payday loans may be approved faster than travel loans and personal loans, so these can be a good option when you need funds urgently. However, you need to make sure you can repay the loan amount quickly, since the tenure for these short-term loans is generally between 3 months to a year.
Travel Operator Financing – Many travel operators partner with banks and NBFCs to offer financing schemes, where you can pay for tickets, stay, meals, sightseeing and other planned or unplanned travel expenses after your trip. Interest rates for these schemes are comparable to rates for personal loans, and repayment may be spread out over 1-5 years. There is typically an upper limit for how much these schemes will cover, though, so keep that in mind.

Remember, dipping into your savings or investments should be your last resort, unless you have set aside a separate fund just for travel. Even if you have saved enough, learn how to travel on a budget. And when you need to make last-minute plans, such as attending a wedding in the family or traveling for medical treatment, take some time to compare prices and select a loan option that really works for you!

How to Improve Your Next Family Vacation

April 19, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When you are raising a family, you will be able to make amazing memories every single day. Some of the most important childhood memories that people treasure, however, happen on family vacations. This is a time when you all get to spend quality time together and bond while having fun somewhere new.

When you consider the importance of family vacations in bringing your family closer together, it becomes apparent that you need to put some real thought into making the trip brilliant. To help you out, this guide is going to give you three of the best ways to improve your next vacation and give your children the chance to make incredible memories.

Travel in luxury by going private

When it comes to planning a vacation, a lot of thought is put into where you decide to go and what you will do there. It is also of vital importance that you think about how you are going to get to your chosen destination. Traveling on the cheap might seem like a good idea, but it can often leave your family feeling over-tired and cranky, meaning your vacation gets off to a bad start.

One of the best alternatives is to look into Stratos Jets Charters and consider getting yourselves a private jet to get you from A to B. This will allow your family to travel in complete comfort and even relax on the journeys.

Know what to look for when it comes to where you stay

Another aspect of planning a vacation which can often get overlooked is the hotel or resort you choose to stay at. This is something people think they should always be trying to save money on, but in actual fact, you need to stay somewhere that caters to all your needs.

By being familiar with the sort of facilities available for families from hotels, you will be able to build a better picture in your mind of what you should go for. When planning a family holiday, trying to choose somewhere that has childcare facilities so that you and your partner are able to have some time alone for a date night. You need to remember, this holiday is as much about you as it is the kids, and you deserve a break.

Planning is your new best friend

You can find helpful tips on how to plan a trip online which can help make the process much easier. By planning out what you plan to do each day, you will be able to keep to your budget and, more importantly, always make sure your children are entertained. You should factor in rainy days, and try to explore as much as possible too.

Nothing can ruin the fun of a vacation more than having your little ones break out in a temper tantrum because they are bored. Try to book your tickets and passes to attractions early to get better deals and maximize the fun on your break.

‘Must Have’ Gear to Pack for Recording Impressive Travel Videos

January 3, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Are you thinking of going all out and recording an impressive travel video on your next trip? If you are then it is important that you pack everything you need – and there are some pieces of gear that you simply can’t do without.

The most essential pieces of gear that you must have if you want to record impressive travel videos are:

Video camera

While essential, the type of video camera that you use is honestly up to you – and you should use what you already have rather than investing in a new camera initially. That being said if you are looking to buy a new camera anyway, you should focus on one that can capture high quality videos and is light – such as some of the mirrorless cameras.

Portable tripod stand

Tripod stands are arguably the best way to keep your camera steady while recording, which will make your travel videos look much more professional. Nowadays there are numerous portable travel options, and your focus should be on making sure it has the right type of head.

External microphone

Technically this is optional – but if you intend to record audio alongside your travel video, you really can’t do without it. In general a portable shotgun microphone is a good choice, though if you intend to record audio commentary then a lavalier or handheld microphone may be better.

Camera light

Another somewhat optional yet important piece of gear is a camera light. Relying on the built-in flash on most cameras is impractical, and so you will want to have a camera light of some kind with you in case the lighting conditions are poor. The exact type of light that you choose is up to you, but you should base it on what you feel the conditions will be like.

Spare batteries

Always bring spare batteries with you as you’ll go through them quickly on your trip. On top of that you may not always have the luxury of charging the batteries as soon as they run dry, so having spares is crucial.

Additional storage

Just as with batteries, having extra storage is always a good thing when recording travel videos. Ideally you should bring a few extra SD or microSD cards that you can swap in when needed, and an external hard drive that you can transfer the videos to whenever is convenient.

While these are the most important pieces of gear, there are others that you should pack as well – such as the lenses you want to use, a cleaning kit, and possibly a laptop or tablet. If you do pack a laptop or tablet, you will be able to convert your videos to the format that you want to store them in and for example could use Online Video Converter (www.videoconverter.com) for that.

All said and done if you pack the gear listed above you should have a much easier time recording impressive travel videos. As a final item you should try to pack it all in a sturdy and waterproof bag – so that it doesn’t get damaged while you’re on your trip.

5 Ideas for Your Next Family Vacation

September 20, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When it comes to planning your trip for your next family vacation, there are bound to be disagreements about where to go and most importantly, how you are going to keep the kids entertained. There is so much choice out there – should you stay in the US or travel a little further afield. It goes without saying that a family vacation is all about having fun and making the most of your time together. Therefore the choice of destination is crucial to making sure everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves – without too much quarreling.

Here are five great ideas you may never have thought of for your next family break:

1. Walt Disney World, Florida
Disney World is where all of the magic happens. Whether your kids are five or fifteen, there will be sure to have time of their lives. With plenty of rides, live shows and their favorite characters patrolling around the site, Walt Disney World is the perfect shout for all-around family fun. What’s also extremely useful, is that there are plenty of accommodation options on site to take the stress out of planning, aswell as various methods of transport to transfer you straight into the park itself.

2. London, England
England’s capital will make the perfect weekend break, and you’ll be feeling spoilt for choice on how to spend your time. Whether you hope to see a West End show, visit the many museums on offer or perhaps head to the world-famous Madame Tussauds exhibition, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in one of the world’s most famous cities. Find out more about things to do in London.

3. Cornwall, England
For a relaxing UK break with white sandy beaches on your doorstep and charming historic towns to stroll through, Cornwall won’t disappoint if you’re looking for that quaint seaside vibe. A few of the main areas to visit in the area include the picturesque town of St Ives, the much more buzzing and commercial town of Newquay or perhaps a more relaxing break at nearby Port Isaac. Whatever you wish to get out of your family vacation, Cornwall has it all. Find out more about what Cornwall has to offer here.

4. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is the ideal destination to visit if you simply wish to sit back and enjoy some sun, sea and gorgeous scenery. Here, you will discover the likes of pretty fishing villages and historical sights, but there is also plenty to do with the kids too; especially once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling and diving opportunities. Although Greeks are known to cook up many delightful local dishes, many of these aren’t too off-putting for picky little eaters.

5. Italy
There is just no place on earth quite like Italy if you are looking for a warm welcome, good food and stunning views. Italy is well-known for being a family resort; no matter where in the country you choose to visit. There are plenty of world-famous cities to explore such as Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice and Milan, while there are also more laid-back parts such as Sorrento and Lake Garda. Lake Garda is great for the children, as the resort has its very own theme park named ‘Gardaland’; which hosts a huge variety of attractions and entertainment shows for all ages. Of course, you can’t go far wrong with the endless amounts of pizza and pasta to tuck into, which should go down well with the kids.